Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Angiographic visualization of 'tumour vascularity' in atrial myxoma
Insights
Atrial myxoma patients may show "tumour vascularity" on coronary arteriography. This sign, though not specific, can indicate highly vascularized tumors with bleeding risks, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Atrial myxoma is a primary cardiac tumor.
- Selective coronary arteriography is used to assess coronary artery disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic utility of "tumour vascularity" observed during selective coronary arteriography in patients with atrial myxoma.
- To explore the clinical significance of this angiographic sign.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of nine patients with atrial myxoma who underwent selective coronary arteriography.
- Evaluation for the presence of the "tumour vascularity" sign.
Main Results:
- "Tumour vascularity" was identified in three patients with highly vascularized atrial myxoma.
- Highly vascularized myxomata showed a propensity for bleeding, leading to acute symptom exacerbation.
- The "tumour vascularity" sign is not specific but complements atrial myxoma diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The "tumour vascularity" sign on coronary arteriography can be a useful, albeit non-specific, indicator in diagnosing atrial myxoma.
- This finding may correlate with increased bleeding risk and acute clinical worsening.
- Selective coronary arteriography remains crucial for detecting concomitant coronary artery disease, enabling preoperative planning for bypass surgery.
Abstract:
Nine patients with atrial myxoma in whom selective coronary arteriography had been performed were studied. The angiographic sign of 'tumour vascularity' was found to be present in three patients with highly vascularized atrial myxoma. The clinical significance of the angiographic sign is unknown although highly vascularized myxomata appear to have a greater propensity to bleeding into the tumour, resulting in an acute worsening of clinical symptoms. The angiographic sign of 'tumour vascularity' is not specific but useful to complement the diagnosis of an atrial myxoma. The indication for selective coronary arteriography in patients with atrial myxoma remains the detection of coronary artery disease, thus concomitant coronary artery bypass surgery could be planned preoperatively.
